Cultural heritage and energy transition – A lesson from the past

Authors

  • Xavier Casanovas RehabiMed Association (Spain)
  • José A. Alonso Campanero Proskene Slp (Spain)
  • Tiziana Campisi University of Palermo (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/1542024

Keywords:

cultural heritage, recovery of traditional energy construction techniques, valorisation, compatible technological innovation

Abstract

In the complex landscape of energy transition, Cultural Heritage emerges as a fundamental pillar of ‘innovability’, suggesting a lesson from the past. Historically, technical culture has been able to adapt building wisdom to available energy resources, demonstrating surprising resilience and an innate propensity for innovation. The energy adaptation associated with conserving this heritage must preserve the Mediterranean identity this essay aims to address; traditional technologies are still relevant today, while modern energy technologies require harmonious integration. This symbiosis between past and present is of crucial practical and symbolic importance: reconnecting with our cultural roots in moving towards a more sustainable future ensures a painless path to energy efficiency.

 

Article info

Received: 05/05/2024; Revised: 12/05/2024; Accepted: 20/05/2024

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Author Biographies

Xavier Casanovas, RehabiMed Association (Spain)

Technical Architect and Construction Engineer, he is an International Expert in Urban Regeneration, Heritage Restoration and Sustainable Rehabilitation. Former Director of the Technical Service of Architectural Rehabilitation in Barcelona, he is President of the RehabiMed Association (Spain), Lecturer in Spanish and International Universities and Coordinator of international projects on Cultural Heritage Protection.
E-mail: xavier.casanovas.b@gmail.com

José A. Alonso Campanero, Proskene Slp (Spain)

Technical Architect and Construction Engineer, he is the Director of Proskene Slp (Spain), a consulting company for the Conservation and Restoration of Architectural Heritage. He has directed interventions and projects in more than 70 listed buildings, archaeological sites, Cultural Heritage and monuments for public and private clients.
E-mail: jose.alonso@proskene.com

Tiziana Campisi, University of Palermo (Italy)

As an Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering at the Department of Architecture, she researches traditional building techniques, building and technological recovery projects, compatible and sustainable building techniques, structural safety, and accessibility of use.
E-mail: tiziana.campisi@unipa.it

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The architecture of the City of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) features large ‘mashrabiyas’ (roshans); their preservation is an essential element for urban regeneration while respecting heritage values (credit: X. Casanovas). Agathón 2024

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Published

30-06-2024

How to Cite

Casanovas, X., Campanero, J. A. A. and Campisi, T. (2024) “Cultural heritage and energy transition – A lesson from the past”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 15, pp. 58–69. doi: 10.19229/2464-9309/1542024.